Sri Lanka Police have announced a series of special security and public safety measures ahead of the Poson festival, which is regarded as the most significant and exemplary religious celebration for Buddhists in Sri Lanka after the Vesak festival, which will be observed on June 29, 2026.
The main state religious observances will be held this year at the sacred historic sites of the Atamasthana in Anuradhapura, Mihintale, and Thanthirimale Raja Maha Viharaya, the Sri Lanka Police said.
In parallel, various religious programs, including Poson pandals and lantern displays, Poson zones, and dansals, are expected to be organized across the island.
As in previous years, a large number of devotees and public are anticipated to participate in these events.
Accordingly, to ensure the safety and security of the public, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has directed all Officers-in-Charge (OICs) and senior officers to implement comprehensive security and traffic management plans across all police divisions relevant to this period.
In line with this, mobile patrols, foot patrols, bicycle patrols, and motorcycle patrols will be deployed throughout all police divisions, both day and night, the statement said.
An efficient traffic management system will be implemented, and traffic officers will be assigned to areas where heavy congestion is expected.
During this period, intelligence personnel will be deployed to gather information related to unlawful activities and narcotics-related offenses. Special attention will also be given to preventing drunk driving, over speeding, and reckless and dangerous driving, which are major causes of road accidents. Strict legal action will be taken against offenders, it added.
The police will remain continuously vigilant and will take appropriate legal measures against individuals or groups engaging in conduct that is disrespectful to the sacred nature of the occasion or that causes inconvenience to devotees participating in religious observances.
Therefore, the Police has requested the general public to adhere to the following guidelines during the Poson festival period to ensure peace, order, and the smooth conduct of religious activities:
Refrain from using loud horns or devices in public places that may disturb or inconvenience others.
Avoid playing excessively loud music or songs that are not appropriate for the religious nature of the event, especially near dansals and pandals.
Do not use loudspeakers without proper authorization and ensure compliance with legal procedures.
Exercise extreme caution when bathing in tanks and reservoirs, particularly in areas such as Anuradhapura. Avoid entering restricted or hazardous bathing zones.
Organizers of dansals are requested to follow proper health and safety guidelines.
Implement effective queue management systems at dansals to prevent obstruction of traffic and congestion.
Avoid parking vehicles in a manner that blocks roads or disrupts traffic flow.
Dispose of waste responsibly instead of releasing it to the environment.
Take special care of children and elderly persons in crowded areas.
Safeguard personal belongings, including jewelry and valuables, from theft.
Refrain from consuming alcohol and illegal drugs while attending these religious events.
- Remain alert to suspicious individuals and immediately inform the nearest police officer if any such activity is observed.
To help minimize road accidents, the general public is requested to promptly share relevant video footage via WhatsApp to 070-4755600.
In addition, for any incident requiring police assistance, the general public is advised to contact the Sri Lanka Police emergency hotline numbers 118 and 119, the statement added.
Accordingly, the Sri Lanka Police has requested the public to cooperate by adhering to the above guidelines and to participate in the Poson season observances peacefully and respectfully.
